In what ways can we avoid "ruin" through wise speech?

◄ How can wise speech prevent ruin? ►

Setting the Scene

“He who guards his mouth protects his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3)

Why Words Matter

• Scripture warns that careless speech is not neutral—it actively “brings ruin near” (Proverbs 10:14).

• The tongue “sets the whole course of one’s life on fire” (James 3:6).

• Guarded words, by contrast, “protect life” (Proverbs 13:3) and “keep the soul from trouble” (Proverbs 21:23).

What Ruin Looks Like

• Broken relationships (Proverbs 18:19)

• Loss of reputation (Proverbs 25:28)

• Spiritual damage—“death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21)

• God’s discipline for deceit or slander (Psalm 101:5; Acts 5:1-11)

Principles for Wise Speech

• Guard the gate

– “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

• Think before speaking

– “Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent.” (Proverbs 17:28)

• Fewer words, deeper impact

– “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

• Store up knowledge

– Fill the heart with Scripture so the mouth draws from truth (Colossians 3:16).

• Speak to build, not break

– “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29)

• Season every word with grace

– “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6)

• Reject gossip and slander

– “Whoever spreads slander is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:18)

Practical Steps for the Day-to-Day

1. Start each morning with a verse to “store up knowledge.”

2. Pause—count to three—before responding in a heated moment (James 1:19).

3. Ask, “Will this sentence build faith, hope, or love?” If not, stay silent.

4. Replace negative talk with thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4).

5. Invite accountability—a trusted believer who can gently correct reckless words (Proverbs 27:6).

The Promise of Blessing

• Guarded lips preserve life now and lay up eternal reward (Matthew 12:36-37).

• Wise speech becomes a testimony that adorns the gospel (Titus 2:10).

• Ultimately, controlled words reflect the Master who “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).

Choosing wise speech is choosing life—avoiding ruin for ourselves and for those who hear us.